Catamaran Charter Antigua

Peak season in Antigua is Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. During these months you'll get the most reliable weather and the most charter fleet options, but also the highest prices and most crowds. Shoulder months (Nov, May) are often the sweet spot — good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices. Avoid Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct unless you specifically want low-season rates.

A 7-day catamaran charter in Antigua typically runs from $4,200 (low season, smaller boat) to $42,000+ (high season, large crewed catamaran). A mid-range 45-50ft catamaran in shoulder season averages around $11,000/week. Prices exclude fuel, provisioning, mooring fees, and gratuity.

Visa requirements for Antigua vary by passport: US: visa free; EU: visa free; CA: visa free; CN: visa required. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Check with your country's travel advisory before booking.

Antigua is best suited for intermediate charterers. First-timers should consider starting somewhere gentler like the British Virgin Islands (line-of-sight navigation) before tackling Antigua.

A 7-day charter is the most popular booking length and lets you see the highlights. With 10–14 days you can slow down, weather-proof your itinerary, and reach more remote anchorages. 5 days is doable but rushed. Anything less than 5 days usually doesn't justify the travel cost for most international visitors.

Top spots in Antigua: English Harbour / Nelson's Dockyard (UNESCO) (Historic British naval base); Shirley Heights (Sunset parties Sunday); Barbuda lagoon (Frigate bird sanctuary); Prickly Pear Island (Day trip from Jolly Harbour). These are well-known highlights; ask your captain for hidden gems.

Antigua is manageable for experienced sailors with older children (10+), but may be challenging for very young kids due to moderate conditions. Consider a crewed charter for hands-on help with the kids.

For bareboat charter in Antigua, you should have 2+ chartering seasons or equivalent experience plus an ICC. Conditions can be challenging in certain seasons (365-beach island. Stronger winds than BVI; Antigua Sailing Week late April. Cross to Barbuda for pink-sand beach.). Many sailors do crewed charter here even with experience.